Inventor of In-Ear Monitor Suggests New Device Could Help Brian Johnson Return to Stage With AC/DC

With AC/DC scheduled to resume touring activities this weekend in Europe, fans worldwide will get the first glimpse of a full AC/DC show with Axl Rose singing in place of the iconic Brian Johnson. The frontman has been sidelined at risk of total hearing loss if he performs with the band again, but a new piece of technology could possibly help him make a return to the stage.

Stephen Ambrose, founder of Asius Technologies and inventor of the in-ear monitor, has devised a new piece of equipment that reduces the risk of hearing damage while presenting louder audio at lower levels. As explained in the video above, the innovator partnered with the National Health Foundation and 64 Audio to create a device featuring a microscopic lens — Ambrose Diaphonic Ear Lens (ADEL) — that acts as a filter.

Sounds are filtered through the lens, resulting in higher audio quality across the entire frequency spectrum from bass to mid to high. The ADEL distinguishes between static pressure and sound pressure, removing the static pressure which results in a higher quality listening experience with less damage to hearing.

Ambrose's hope is that Johnson will consider using this new technology so he can "return to the stage, and that, frankly, is something everyone really wants." Ambrose is "a big fan of Axl Rose's voice," and even introduced Guns N' Roses to in-ear monitors, but he "really can't imagine anyone but [Johnson] singing 'Back in Black' — or any other part of the [AC/DC] show, for that matter."

Johnson has attributed his hearing loss to driving race cars rather than performing in stadiums and arenas with AC/DC since his instatement as the band's lead singer in 1980. He released a statement regarding his departure from the band, thanking the fans for all their years of support and detailed how his hearing issues had become more problematic, even affecting his performances onstage.

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